Waves of friendship

Two Catholic radios from Slovakia and Hungary have launched a fruitful cross-border cooperation some time ago, with aim to widen the information horizons of their listeners and to get on "a wave of friendship" that would deepen mutual relations between these two nations as well as their experience of catholicity. Danka Jaceèková has interviewed director of Slovak Radio Lumen, Fr. Juraj Spuchlák, on this matter.Where does the idea of establishing an international cooperation between Catholic radios in Slovakia and Hungary originate?"The idea arose about 3,5 years ago when we were thinking of a joint project with some Catholic radio from abroad. We wanted to participate at an international project and we heard of the possibility of a cross-border cooperation with St. István Catholic radio in Eger, Hungary, in regard to translation and exchange of materials for broadcasting. After two-three unsuccessful experiments we have launched a cooperation involving also the third party – St. Gerhard Pastoral Center in Kosice that provides care for Hungarian speaking faithful. The result is a project of trans-border cooperation entitled ‘On the Waves of Friendship’".What are the main areas of common interest? "Fields like Church activities, situation in the society, culture, ecology – these are the main topics we deal with. The cooperation consists of mutual exchange of information and broadcasting materials prepared with an emphasis on habits, traditions and interests of listeners of the respective radios. We translate the news and other pieces to inform the Hungarians about our nature, basic problems that people have to face in Slovakia, important events, difficulties and joys in the life of the Church, etc. St. István Radio does the same service for our listeners about Hungary".Both cooperating radios are Catholic, how would you describe a spiritual dimension of this collaboration? "It’s very important because our personal meetings have mainly spiritual dimension. We share our work experiences, attitudes and by building of this spiritual community and prayers also with our listeners we became very close with our Hungarian colleagues also on personal level. Bishops and priests participate at preparation of our joint meetings and they play a significant role in good development and enrichment of our mutual relations. I have to emphasize that during our long-time professional cooperation we have noticed a reduction of tension among inhabitants and listeners of our two regions and creation of a natural bond among all of them, also thanks to this project".What are the feelings regarding the first assessment, evaluation of the project?"We are very satisfied with the way the project goes, it has many positive aspects – spiritual and human. The main shortcomings can be seen in coordination, but it’s normal in all areas of work. The demands on both radios vary. Radio Lumen broadcasts on the national level, thus the coordination must be very flexible and thorough. St. István Radio broadcasts on the diocesan level and is not burdened by high demands on technical side, for example. But I have to express satisfaction with responsible attitude of both parties involved. Listeners were looking forward to this project but at the same time they were a bit insecure in what to expect. Now I can say that after the first steps we had a very positive feedback mostly among Hungarian speeking listeners living in Slovakia and Slovaks living in Hungary".How would you describe an international, let’s say "European" dimension of the project?"What we must realize first of all is that we are Catholics. The fact that we belong to different nations is a bit less important here. We participate on building of Catholic identity and in this sense we have a lot in common. We have a common history, we are humans and there’s a fair chance to influence each other’s mentality on spiritual level".